Packaging containers for preserving freshness

ABSTRACT

Packaging containers for preserving the freshness of contents placed therein, such as pastries, doughnuts, baked goods, coffee, fruits, vegetables, and other perishable food items, are disclosed. The packaging containers include a liner that is capable of creating an air-tight environment within the container, which in turn, helps to preserve the freshness of the contents and protects the contents from air, humidity, bacteria, or other materials that may have a deleterious effect on the contents.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to packaging, and more particularly to packaging containers that preserve the freshness of food contents stored therein.

BACKGROUND

The packaging, transportation, retail display, and storage of perishable food items, such as baked goods, fruits, and vegetables, require special environmental conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and light, for maintaining the freshness of such products in terms of food value and appearance until purchased and consumed. Proper packaging of such foods plays an important role in achieving desirable results. While many types of food packaging are known, most of the packaging requires seals that can be difficult to open and close and/or requires that the packaging be pierced such that it cannot be resealed. These types of food packaging are not able to maintain the freshness of perishable goods, such as baked goods, for more than two or three days. Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for a packaging container for perishable food items that can preserve freshness for longer periods of time without the need for a seal and that are re-usable.

SUMMARY

The problems expounded above, as well as others, are addressed by the following inventions, although it is to be understood that not every embodiment of the inventions described herein will address each of the problems described above.

In some embodiments, a packaging container for preserving freshness of perishable products is provided, the packaging container including a front wall, a pair of side walls, a rear wall, a bottom, and a lid, which together define an interior container space suitable for the storage of the perishable products, a liner placed within the interior container space and configured to contact the front wall, the side walls, the rear wall, and the bottom, wherein the liner is formed of a polymeric material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polylactic acid (PLA), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), nylon, and any combination thereof, and the liner has a thickness ranging from about 1 mil to about 10 mils, and wherein the liner is configured to enclose the interior container space and create an air-tight environment.

In this embodiment, the lid includes a front flap and a pair of side flaps configured to overlap at least partially with the front wall and the pair of side walls and the front flap includes a tab. In some embodiments, the front wall includes a slot configured to receive the tab on the front flap. In further embodiments, the liner is secured to the front wall, the side walls, the rear wall, and the bottom using an adhesive. In still further embodiments, the liner is formed of HDPE, LDPE, or a combination thereof. In yet further embodiments, the liner includes an antimicrobial agent selected from the group consisting of Origanum vulgare, Thymus vulgaris, essential oils, nisin, pediocin, plantaricin BM-1, lysozyme, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate and oregano essential oil, potassium sorbate and vanillin, citric acid and chitosan, gallic acid grafted chitosan, chitosan, grape fruit seed extract, propyl paraben, and combinations thereof.

In other embodiments, a packaging container for preserving freshness of perishable food is provided, the packaging container includes a front wall, a pair of side walls, a rear wall, a bottom, and a lid, which together define an interior container space suitable for the storage of the perishable food, wherein the front wall and the side walls each include a flap attached thereto that is configured to fold inwardly over the interior container space, a liner placed within the interior container space and configured to contact the front wall, the side walls, the rear wall, and the bottom, wherein the liner is formed of a polymeric material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), nylon, and any combination thereof, and the liner has a thickness ranging from about 1 mil to about 6 mils, and wherein the liner and the flaps are configured to enclose the interior container space and create an air-tight environment.

In some embodiments, the liner includes an antimicrobial agent selected from the group consisting of Origanum vulgare, Thymus vulgaris, essential oils, nisin, pediocin, plantaricin BM-1, lysozyme, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate and oregano essential oil, potassium sorbate and vanillin, citric acid and chitosan, gallic acid grafted chitosan, chitosan, grape fruit seed extract, propyl paraben, and combinations thereof. In further embodiments, the liner is formed of HDPE, LDPE, or a combination thereof In still further embodiments, the packaging container is formed of cardboard, glass, Styrofoam, or plastic. In yet further embodiments, the lid includes a front flap and a pair of side flaps configured to overlap at least partially with the front wall and the pair of side walls and the front flap includes a tab. In still further embodiments, the front wall includes a slot configured to receive the tab on the front flap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages can be ascertained from the following detailed description that is provided in connection with the drawings described below:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a packaging container in an open configuration according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A is a front perspective view of the packaging container in an open configuration according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B is a front perspective view of the packaging container in a partially closed configuration according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2C is a front perspective view of the packaging container in a partially closed configuration according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2D is a front perspective view of the packaging container in a fully closed configuration according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art of this disclosure. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the specification and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. Well known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity or clarity.

The terms “about” and “approximately” shall generally mean an acceptable degree of error or variation for the quantity measured given the nature or precision of the measurements. Numerical quantities given in this description are approximate unless stated otherwise, meaning that the term “about” or “approximately” can be inferred when not expressly stated.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural (i.e., “at least one”) forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and the like are used herein to describe various features or elements, but these features or elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one feature or element from another feature or element. Thus, a first feature or element discussed below could be termed a second feature or element, and similarly, a second feature or element discussed below could be termed a first feature or element without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

Spatially relative terms, such as “above,” “under,” “below,” “lower,” “over,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another when the apparatus is right side up as shown in the accompanying drawings.

It is to be understood that any given elements of the disclosed embodiments of the invention may be embodied in a single structure, a single step, a single substance, or the like. Similarly, a given element of the disclosed embodiment may be embodied in multiple structures, steps, substances, or the like.

Referring to FIG. 1 , a packaging container 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The packaging container 100 may be used to preserve the freshness of contents placed therein, such as but not limited to, pastries, doughnuts, baked goods, coffee, fruits, vegetables, and other perishable food items that require the need to stay fresh. As will be described in more detail below, the packaging container 100 includes a liner that is capable of creating an air-tight environment within the container 100, which in turn, helps to preserve the freshness of the contents and protects the contents from air, humidity, bacteria, or other materials that may have a deleterious effect on the contents.

As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the packaging container 100 includes a front wall 10, a pair of side walls 12 a, 12 b, a rear wall 14, a bottom 16, and a lid 18, which together define an interior container space 20 suitable for the storage of perishable products. The lid 18 may be attached to the rear wall 14. For example, the lid 18 may be integrally formed with the rear wall 14, as shown in FIG. 1 , such that the lid 18 is able to freely open and close. The lid 18 may include a front flap 28 and side flaps 30 a, 30 b that are configured to overlap at least partially with the outer surfaces of the front wall 10 and side walls 12 a, 12 b, respectively. This configuration helps seal the interior container space 20 from the outside environment. The front wall 10 may include a slot 22 configured to receive a tab 24 on the lid 18 so that the lid 18 can be secured when it is closed, which helps create the air-tight environment within the interior container space 20. As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the front wall 10, the pair of side walls 12 a, 12 b, the rear wall 14, and the bottom 16 form a square-shaped box. However, the packaging container 100 may be any object that is capable of holding perishable food products, such as a bag, pouch, cookware, bakeware, or baked good holder, and can have other shapes such as a cylindrical-shape, a column-shape, or a rectilinear-shape. The packaging container 100 may be formed of any material suitable for storing perishable food items. For example, the packaging container 100 may be made of cardboard, glass, Styrofoam, plastic, or other polymeric materials. The size of the packaging container 100 may also vary depending on the types of perishable goods to be stored therein.

The packaging container 100 includes a liner 26 that is configured to cover the interior container space 20. As will be described in more detail below, the liner 26 is a material that is able to block virtually all air and humidity from contacting the perishable products stored within the interior container space 20. In this embodiment, the liner 26 is configured to contact the inner surfaces of the front wall 10, the side walls 12 a, 12 b, the rear wall 14, and the bottom 16 such that the liner 26 covers the entirety of the interior container space 20. The liner 26 may also have excess material that extends beyond the surfaces of the front wall 10, the side walls 12 a, 12 b, and the rear wall 14, as shown in FIG. 1 . The excess material of the liner 26 may be folded over the perishable food items to protect the top portion of the interior container space 20. In some embodiments, the liner 26 may also be configured to contact an inner surface of the lid 18 so that a top portion of the interior container space 20 is also covered.

In some embodiments, the liner 26 may conform to the interior container space 20 (for example, the front wall 10, the side walls 12 a, 12 b, the rear wall 14, and the bottom 16) without the need for a securing means. In other embodiments, the liner 26 may be secured to the front wall 10, the side walls 12 a, 12 b, the rear wall 14, and the bottom 16 using an attachment mechanism. For example, the liner 26 may be secured to the inner surfaces of the front wall 10, the side walls 12 a, 12 b, the rear wall 14, and the bottom 16 using an adhesive, such as double-sided tape. In still other embodiments, the liner 26 may be secured to the inner surfaces of the front wall 10, the side walls 12 a, 12 b, the rear wall 14, and the bottom 16 using corresponding hook and loop fasteners.

The liner 26 may formed of a thin polymeric material that is capable of blocking moisture and humidity to create an air-tight environment. Suitable polymeric materials include, but are not limited to, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polylactic acid (PLA), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), nylon, and any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the liner 26 may be formed of polyethylene. For example, the liner 26 may be formed of low-density polyethylene (LDPE). The liner 26 may be formed using any process known in the art. For example, the liner 26 may be laminated, extruded, cast, blown, vacuum formed, injection molded, or a combination thereof. The thickness of the liner 26 may vary depending on the type of perishable food items stored within the interior container space 20. For instance, a thicker liner 26 may be needed for fruits or vegetables than for lighter baked goods or pastries. In some embodiments, the liner 26 may have a thickness ranging from about 0.5 mil to about 10 mils. In other embodiments, the liner 26 may have a thickness ranging from about 1 mil to about 8 mils. In still other embodiments, the liner 26 may have a thickness ranging from about 1.5 mils to about 6 mils. In yet other embodiments, the liner 26 may have a thickness ranging from about 1.5 mils to about 3 mils. For example, the liner 26 may have a thickness of about 1.5 mils.

In some embodiments, the liner 26 may incorporate a synthetic or natural antimicrobial agent. For example, the liner 26 may have an antimicrobial agent coated thereon. The antimicrobial agent can inhibit the growth of bacteria in food stored within the interior container space 20. Suitable antimicrobial agents include, but are not limited to, Origanum vulgare, Thymus vulgaris, essential oils, such as cinnamon essential oil, nisin, pediocin, plantaricin BM-1, lysozyme, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate and oregano essential oil, potassium sorbate and vanillin, citric acid and chitosan, gallic acid grafted chitosan, chitosan, grape fruit seed extract, propyl paraben, and combinations thereof.

The liner 26 may have any suitable shape and dimensions that allow for the liner 26 to cover the interior container space 20 in its entirety while also having sufficient excess material to cover the top of the contents. The dimensions of the liner 26 will vary depending on the size of the packaging container 100. In some embodiments, the liner 26 may be pre-cut into a square shape having suitable dimensions to cover the interior container space 20 and inserted into the packaging container 100.

The packaging container 100 having the liner 26 inserted therein allows for perishable food items to maintain freshness for at least two days longer than conventional food packaging. In other embodiments, the packaging container 100 having the liner 26 inserted therein allows for perishable food items to maintain freshness for at least three days longer than conventional food packaging. In still other embodiments, the packaging container 100 having the liner 26 inserted therein allows for perishable food items to maintain freshness for at least four days longer than conventional food packaging. In yet other embodiments, the packaging container 100 having the liner 26 inserted therein allows for perishable food items to maintain freshness for at least five days longer than conventional food packaging.

FIGS. 2A-2D show the packaging container 100 with the liner 26 inserted therein and illustrate how perishable food items may be stored therein. FIG. 2A shows the packaging container 100 in a fully open configuration. In some embodiments, each of the side walls 12 a, 12 b and the front wall 10 include a foldable flap attached thereto that can help create the air-tight environment. As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the side walls 12 a, 12 b have flaps 32 a, 32 b, respectively, and the front wall 10 has flap 34.

FIG. 2B shows the packaging container 100 with the flaps 32 a, 32 b folded over the interior container space 20. After the perishable food items are placed into the packaging container 100, the liner 26 and the flaps 32 a, 32 b can be folded inwardly over the perishable food items to help protect the food items from air and humidity. The flaps 32 a and 32 b are sized and dimensioned such that, when they are folded over the interior container space 20, the flaps 32 a and 32 b fully cover the top portion of the interior container space 20.

FIG. 2C shows the packaging container 100 with the flaps 32 a, 32 b and the flap 34 folded over the interior container space 20. After the flaps 32 a and 32 b are folded, the flap 34 can be folded over the flaps 32 a and 32 b to reinforce the seal created by the liner 26 and the flaps 32 a, 32 b. The flap 34 is sized and dimensioned such that the flap 34 fully covers the flaps 32 a, 32 b when folded. FIG. 2D shows the packaging container 100 in a fully closed configuration. As shown in FIG. 2D, after the liner 26 and the flaps 32 a, 32 b, and 34 are folded over the interior container space 20, the lid 18 may be closed and the tab 24 on the lid 18 can be inserted into the slot 22 on the front wall 10 to secure the lid 18 in the closed configuration.

The foregoing description illustrates and describes the processes, manufactures, compositions of matter, and other teachings of the present disclosure. Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes only certain embodiments of the processes, manufactures, compositions of matter, and other teachings disclosed, but, as mentioned above, it is to be understood that the teachings of the present disclosure are capable of use in various other combinations, modifications, and environments and are capable of changes or modifications within the scope of the teachings as expressed herein, commensurate with the skill and/or knowledge of a person having ordinary skill in the relevant art. The embodiments described hereinabove are further intended to explain certain best modes known of practicing the processes, manufactures, compositions of matter, and other teachings of the present disclosure and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the teachings of the present disclosure in such, or other, embodiments and with the various modifications required by the particular applications or uses. Accordingly, the processes, manufactures, compositions of matter, and other teachings of the present disclosure are not intended to limit the exact embodiments and examples disclosed herein. Any section headings herein are provided only for consistency with the suggestions of 37 C.F.R. § 1.77 or otherwise to provide organizational queues. These headings shall not limit or characterize the invention(s) set forth herein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A packaging container for preserving freshness of perishable products, comprising: a front wall, a pair of side walls, a rear wall, a bottom, and a lid, which together define an interior container space suitable for the storage of the perishable products, a liner placed within the interior container space and configured to contact the front wall, the side walls, the rear wall, and the bottom, wherein the liner is formed of a polymeric material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polylactic acid (PLA), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), nylon, and any combination thereof, and the liner has a thickness ranging from about 1 mil to about 10 mils, and wherein the liner is configured to enclose the interior container space and create an air-tight environment.
 2. The packaging container of claim 1, wherein the lid comprises a front flap and a pair of side flaps configured to overlap at least partially with the front wall and the pair of side walls and the front flap comprises a tab.
 3. The packaging container of claim 2, wherein the front wall comprises a slot configured to receive the tab on the front flap.
 4. The packaging container of claim 1, wherein the liner is secured to the front wall, the side walls, the rear wall, and the bottom using an adhesive.
 5. The packaging container of claim 1, wherein the liner is formed of HDPE, LDPE, or a combination thereof.
 6. The packaging container of claim 1, wherein the liner comprises an antimicrobial agent selected from the group consisting of Origanum vulgare, Thymus vulgaris, essential oils, nisin, pediocin, plantaricin BM-1, lysozyme, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate and oregano essential oil, potassium sorbate and vanillin, citric acid and chitosan, gallic acid grafted chitosan, chitosan, grape fruit seed extract, propyl paraben, and combinations thereof.
 7. A packaging container for preserving freshness of perishable food, comprising: a front wall, a pair of side walls, a rear wall, a bottom, and a lid, which together define an interior container space suitable for the storage of the perishable food, wherein the front wall and the side walls each comprise a flap attached thereto that is configured to fold inwardly over the interior container space, a liner placed within the interior container space and configured to contact the front wall, the side walls, the rear wall, and the bottom, wherein the liner is formed of a polymeric material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), nylon, and any combination thereof, and the liner has a thickness ranging from about 1 mil to about 6 mils, and wherein the liner and the flaps are configured to enclose the interior container space and create an air-tight environment.
 8. The packaging container of claim 7, wherein the liner comprises an antimicrobial agent selected from the group consisting of Origanum vulgare, Thymus vulgaris, essential oils, nisin, pediocin, plantaricin BM-1, lysozyme, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate and oregano essential oil, potassium sorbate and vanillin, citric acid and chitosan, gallic acid grafted chitosan, chitosan, grape fruit seed extract, propyl paraben, and combinations thereof.
 9. The packaging container of claim 7, wherein the liner is formed of HDPE, LDPE, or a combination thereof.
 10. The packaging container of claim 7, wherein the packaging container is formed of cardboard, glass, Styrofoam, or plastic.
 11. The packaging container of claim 7, wherein the lid comprises a front flap and a pair of side flaps configured to overlap at least partially with the front wall and the pair of side walls and the front flap comprises a tab.
 12. The packaging container of claim 11, wherein the front wall comprises a slot configured to receive the tab on the front flap. 